On July 14, 2023, a shooting incident occurred at a small shopping plaza in Fort Pierce, Florida, resulting in the deaths of two men, including 45-year-old Kenny Lifhred. The plaza, located at 2410 Avenue D, east of North 25th Street, houses businesses such as Dixon foodmart, a smokeshop, and a Western Union.
The incident happened at approximately 7:40 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunshots.
Three victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Kenny Lifhred, along with a 51-year-old man, succumbed to their injuries, while a 44-year-old man was listed in critical condition.
The suspect, Alah Nawef Shehadeh, a 32-year-old man from Homestead, was arrested and charged with two counts of homicide/murder without premeditation and one count of attempted homicide/murder without premeditation. Shehadeh, who claimed to be a clerk at Fire Deals smoke shop where the incident occurred, told investigators that seven or eight people rushed into the store, with at least two of them armed with guns. However, surveillance footage revealed that the victims were not armed.
Family and friends of the victims expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Sabrina Hall, a cousin of Kenny Lifhred, described him as an "all-around guy" who was a good person and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. A prayer vigil was held at the shooting site, attended by family, friends, and police officers, to honor the victims.
The community was reassured by the police that the incident was believed to be isolated and that the swift arrest of the suspect aimed to alleviate concerns among residents and visitors.
